Healthy food options available as alternatives to deep fried
Hidden among the deep-fried butter and scorpion pizza, the most novel food item at the Calgary Stampede this year might actually be a salad.
Fairgoers seeking healthier meals have a few options to choose from.
One of them is Wrap Daddy’s, making its second appearance at the Stampede this year armed with fresh vegetables and gluten-free wraps. Top sellers include the chicken wrap and Thai noodle wrap.
“I think there’s a consciousness toward healthier options,” said owner Mike Mortar.
The vendor has won the Stampede’s Best Alternative Food Option two years in a row.
Lucy Raines, 15, a vegetarian, was ordering a veggie wrap Wednesday afternoon. “It’s the only vegetarian option I can get aside from getting fries,” she said, adding she’d like to see more salads or veggie burgers at the midway.
Los Tacos Hermanos offers glutenfree tacos, mexi fries and nachos. The B.C.-based food truck is Stampeding for the first time and said the feedback has been positive so far.
“People have really taken a liking to the freshness,” said owner Nigel Ford. “It’s all fresh and it’s all handmade.”
Over at Avatara, an alternative pizzeria, the motto is “Feel good on the go.”
The vendor bakes with multigrain, gluten-free crusts and uses ingredients lower in sugar and fat, said owner Ryan Wright. They also offer vegan pies.
“I would say we’re healthier than 99 per cent of what’s on the midway,” Wright said. For those with food allergies, “it’s basically a lifesaver.”
But even with healthy offerings available, sometimes temptation can’t be helped. “This is my third poutine of the week,” said Chris Roy, 36, who was ordering the Canadian classic at NC’s Gourmet Grill, a vendor that also sells salads and Greek chicken wraps.
David Lau, a professor of medicine at the University of Calgary, said moderation is key.
“There’s nothing wrong with having those red velvet doughnuts, one or two doesn’t hurt as long as you don’t overdo it,” he said.
Salt, saturated fats, trans fats and sugar tend to be the worst offenders at carnivals, he said.
As for indulging in junk food and detoxing later, Lau said that’s a bit of a myth. He also recommended drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially with the hot weather.